New Law Will Force Airlines to
Ask
Travelers About Their Next of
Kin

By

Anna Wilde Mathews Staff Reporter of The Wall Street Journal

Updated Sept. 23, 1998 4:07 a.m. ET

WASHINGTON -- Before international travelers board their planes, airlines want to see their tickets, their passports and, maybe, their frequent-flier numbers. Starting next week, passengers will also be asked for their next of kin.

A federal rule scheduled to take effect Oct. 1 will require airlines to ask customers a ticklish question -- one that will remind many travelers of the worst thing that could happen once they get on that...